fiat

American  

[fee-aht, -at, fahy-uht, -at] / ˈfi ɑt, -æt, ˈfaɪ ət, -æt /

noun

1. an authoritative decree, sanction, or order.

   a royal fiat.

   Synonyms:

   ukase, diktat, mandate, ruling, directive, authorization

2. a fixed form of words containing the word fiat, by which a person in authority gives sanction, or authorization.

3. an arbitrary decree or pronouncement, especially by a person or group of persons having absolute authority to enforce it.

   The king ruled by fiat.

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fiat British  

/ ˈfaɪət, -æt /

noun

1. official sanction; authoritative permission

2. an arbitrary order or decree

3. literary any command, decision, or act of will that brings something about

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Etymology

Origin of fiat

First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin: “let it be done,” 3rd-person singular present subjunctive of fierī “to become”

Example Sentences

An Ohio lawmaker wants to settle one of science’s thorniest questions by legislative fiat.

From The Wall Street Journal

"No. You can use fiat money to do something good or something bad," he says.

From BBC

Counteracting this fiat currency debasement explains why Howell thinks “it’s not just a question of gold or bitcoin; it’s a question of gold and bitcoin.”

From MarketWatch

Inflation is still elevated and long-term confidence in fiat currencies are under pressure, so silver’s risk-reward profile is “compelling,” said Rhind.

From MarketWatch

“Under binding Supreme Court precedent, a State may not, by legislative fiat, reopen time-barred claims and transfer property whose ownership is already vested,” the museum argued.

From Los Angeles Times